John Roper is a painter.

“The solution was to paint paintings I wouldn’t paint”

John Roper (Stebbing, 1958) lives and works between London and Essex. His work explores the interplay between appropriated media sources and the viewer. The initial materials are edited in situ, television screens are photographed, creating distortions, printed pixels are blown up. The outcome is strikingly digital despite the absence of graphic manipulation as a process.

The recent work represents a return to painting following a 30 year break. His early work was developed in East London during the 80s and 90s as part of a vibrant creative scene; in contrast, the new works are developed deep in the Essex countryside.

The paintings touch on relations of power, hierarchy and nostalgia. Roper transforms digital and printed media into meticulously rendered paintings, which allow the imagery to be viewed in new ways.

Info

John Roper

Born: 5th December 1958. Stebbing, Dunmow, Essex.

Education

Goldsmiths College (University of London) MA Fine Art 1988

Ravensbourne College of Art & Design BA (Hons) Fine Art 1981

Shows

2026

The Coronation Series, Art Space, Tavistock and Portman Clinic, Swiss Cottage, London

1991

Monuments, City Racing, The Oval, London

1990

Lost Property, Riverside Studios , Hammersmith, London

1989

‘Pick of the MA shows.’ The Mall Gallery, London

1988

Final year show at Goldsmiths College, London